Council advances property‑tax exemptions for seniors; bills pass second reading
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Summary
By unanimous voice and roll‑call votes, the council moved Bill 49 and Bill 50 through second reading, increasing real property tax home‑exemption thresholds for seniors; supporters said the change helps fixed‑income homeowners.
The Honolulu City Council passed second reading on two measures intended to increase real‑property tax exemptions for senior homeowners. Committee Report 247 was adopted and Bill 49 advanced, which would increase the senior home exemption from $160,000 to $300,000 (as presented by the sponsor). Committee Report 248 and Bill 50 likewise passed second reading to raise a different homestead exemption level from $140,000 to $250,000.
Cody Sula of the Hawaii Iron Workers Stabilization Fund testified in support, saying the increases are “a small step in helping make the cost of living a little bit more less challenging for people, especially for our senior citizens” and that many seniors live on fixed incomes. There were no objections recorded in the transcript; roll‑call for Bill 50 was called and recorded as adopted with eight ayes in the excerpted minutes when a member was absent.
Both bills will proceed toward third reading and final action, giving the council additional opportunities to amend exemption levels or define implementation rules. Supporters said the measures aim to help seniors remain in Hawaii amid rising housing costs.